Good Old Days and Pollinators: A Garden Showcase by Bowen Qian

Reviving Cultural Memory Through Urban Gardens

Bowen Qian's design is a response to the modern social changes that multiple generations in China are facing as they transition from rural living habitats to urbanized community living. The project aims to recreate a pocket garden that simulates an ecological restoration site amid remaining structures after relocation, providing a place for spiritual rest for the original inhabitants and enhancing the understanding of the original historical appearance of the area for later generations.

Based on the concept of "coexistence of dilapidated old-style residential buildings and nature," the garden integrates natural planting that attracts pollinators and a multi-sensory, interactive layout. The three "walls" represent the "soil erosion" of people's inner spiritual home under the direction of urbanization, while bug-hotels and insect-houses provide a habitat for pollinators in the ecological chain, playing a positive role in conserving and maintaining the water and soil on the physical site.

Measuring 8000mm in width, 5000mm in depth, and 3500mm in height, the garden offers visitors an immersive experience spanning natural and human history. When visitors enter the garden, they can touch the "relics" and feel the passage of time, and through the fragrance of flowers, the touch of plants, and close interaction with pollinators, they can form an immersive experience.

This project was a temporary Pocket Garden in the 'China Garden Expo 2025' in Suzhou, China, and was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in 2025 for its outstanding expertise and innovation in creating a remarkable level of excellence and introducing positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.